by Regional Councillors wrapped up yesterday’s budget talks with no conclusions on how to deal with a 4.2 million dollar deficit in the operating budget.
Staff says the deficit can be brought down to 2.4 million with measures such as the introduction of tipping fees for all vehicles at the landfill, and an increase in transit area rates.
Council also discussed the possibility of an increase in property taxes of between 2 and 2.35 percent.
Councillors expressed frustration with the province over what they say is a lack of support.
There was also anger over a stipulation an extra 3 million dollars from the province can’t be used for operating expenses.